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The Double Take DVD in our store contains both versions of romantic caper The Thomas Crown Affair. In the 1968 original — with lots of split screen scenes – the always cool and composed millionaire Thomas Crown (Steve McQueen) is robbing banks for kicks. Pretty soon sassy insurance investigator Vicki Anderson (Faye Dunaway) is hot on his trail, determined to get her man no matter what. In the 1999 remake debonair Mr. Crown (Pierce Brosnan) strikes again. This time he specializes in art theft, stealing a valuable Monet from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in broad daylight. When self-assured investigator Catherine Banning (Rene Russo) enters the scene, the two quickly become involved in a seductive game of cat-and-mouse, in which both players equally enjoy the thrill of the hunt.

I loved the remake when it first came out, but must confess it was Rene Russo’s movie wardrobe that really made the film for me. I’ve always wondered how Faye Dunaway dressed in the original, so last week I watched the two movies back-to-back for a spot of outfit comparison. Fun!

Both enterprising ladies favour a soft, neutral colour palette and rock their oversized sunglasses, but that’s where the similarities end. We are treated to two very different wardrobes and style personas indeed. Vicki sports a flirty and mod look, very much in keeping with the times. She accentuates her features with heavy black eyeliner and false lashes. Her skirt suits are short, with sweet pleated minis, fab belted jackets and hosiery in matching colours. Beautiful patterned blouses, lots of cream and pastels, and large clip-on earrings are all part of her daytime look. So is her long, blond hair that is often arranged into elaborately braided chignons, very sophisticated sixties. And my word, it’s impossible not to fall in love with her delightful low-heeled retro pumps and absolutely stunning hat collection.

Catherine, on the other hand, is the epitome of classic elegance. She wears high necklines and covered up styles that are super alluring. (Big exception: the all-revealing black dress in the seduction scene.) Luxurious fabrics, tons of textural interest and perfect fit are her trademarks. Miss Banning goes about her day in tweed pantsuits with wide-legged trousers, chunky cashmere sweaters that never look bulky, and dons cognac and camel coats for extra warmth. There’s also room in her closet for beautiful suede and leather pieces. My heart beats faster just thinking about all her amazing midi sheath dresses and pencil skirts. She keeps the accessories to a minimum, but finishes off her evening look with pearl necklaces, apricot lipstick and subtly shimmery eyeshadow in gold tones that play up her stunning shoulder length red bob.

Both leading ladies have a killer wardrobe, but I’m Team Catherine Banning all the way. After all, a woman who turns up for her first day on the job wearing a fantastic three-piece pinstriped skirt suit with a bustier in lieu of the traditional waistcoat is a lass after my own heart!

What is your favourite Vicki or Catherine outfit? And if you’ve seen both film versions, would you rather borrow clothes from Miss Anderson’s or Miss Banning’s closet?

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Catherine oozes sultry intelligence and is the perfect foil for Sir Crowne! Her hair and wardrobe are eye candy and she really carries the show. Faye Dunaway is an excellent actress, and emblematic of the time. I remember the first movie mainly for Steve McQueen and his EZ charm!

Well, I’ve never seen the original one, so I would have to watch it before I could vote. However, I’ve watched the remake countless times, and sometimes I’ve watched it just to see Rene’s fabulous movie wardrobe.

Team Rene is in the lead for now.
Beth and Jamie: *chuckle*, I’m Team Pierce too;-)
Angie: Hmm, I’m not sure, it could be a close call indeed. I know you’ll love Faye’s mod vibe, fab footwear and her fantastic hats, but you’ll also love Rene’s midis and timeless elegance. Let us know what you decide?

What a great question. The remake is one of my favorite movies. But last year I had to watch the original mainly to compare the ladies’ styles and see the sex appeal of Steve McQueen. I find Renee Russo as Catherine completely stunning and her style is ideal. Faye Dunaway is beautiful in the original, with a gorgeous style as well, but I prefer the sensual power and confidence displayed in Renee’s wardrobe. I may have to watch it tonight!

Oh, Inge, with this beautiful write-up, you’ve got me wanting to see the DVD asap as I’m currently sitting on the bench, if I may, because I love picturing Faye’s mod look and yet Rene’s classic and luxurious fabrics could have me jumping up and picking a team for the latter.

Thanks for the great review, Inge. It’s been quite awhile since I’ve seen the remake, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen the original. I’ll have to watch both this summer. For now, I’m on Team Renee, but that may change once I’ve seen the other!

After I saw the remake, I had my hair cut and colored like Rene’s and I CRAVED that wardrobe (wasn’t a lot of it by Michael Kors?) Fun little trivia fact: Faye Dunaway is in the remake in a cameo as Crown’s psychiatrist!

I love Faye, but I’m team Catherine. Catherine’s wardrobe was so texturally gorgeous–I just wanted to wrap myself up in all that gorgeous cashmere. The whole wardrobe looks sumptuous and classic, but still individual.

Rene is still slightly in the lead, but I’m not surprised opinions are divided, because both ladies had such a gorgeous wardrobe. Those of you sitting on the bench until after you’ve watched one or both movies, do keep us posted:-)

Kari: I have a hunch you might enjoy it, especially the remake. It’s a fun film to watch to relax on a Saturday evening, a bit of romance, good casting and on-screen chemistry between Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo, nice pace, and I can really see you fall for Miss Banning’s colour palette and texture rich, sumptuous clothing.

Her wardrobe was so elegant and I love her chic hair. I watched that version a few weeks ago and still think many of her outfits and individual pieces look so timeless. I believe most of the wardrobe was Celine (by Michael Kors) and and Halston and her looks definitely shaped my style. I still love the luxe fabrics and clean lines of her wardrobe.

I love Faye, but her hair and much of her clothing looks very contrived and is a product of when the movie was filmed.